Powerful beads

In the early Middle Ages, necklaces were mainly worn by women. Preferably with beads that came from faraway places, including Scandinavia, Egypt and South-east Asia. Needless to say that the beads must be fashionable. In the 5th and 6th centuries, those with floral patterns and waves were popular. In the 8th and 9th centuries, mosaic and chequered patterns were the ‘must-haves’. 

At the time you really stole the show with a bead necklace. The beads were usually made of glass, but they also came in other materials. Many medieval people believed that beads had magical powers. Cowrie shells, for example, were thought to be good for a woman’s fertility. And amulets and beads made of crystal and amethyst protected the owner from evil forces. 

The more beads, colours, decorations and different materials one could show, the higher a person’s status was considered to be. Beads are often exchanged as gifts, so it also says something about your contacts. 

Necklaces were sometimes buried with the deceased, but were also passed on and supplemented with new, fashionable beads. This helped the surviving relatives to keep the memory of their ancestors alive and gave them a feeling as if they were still close.